Foster Care Workers Union, a branch of the IWGB

We welcome this consultation. It is essential we see the adoption of Fostering Services Minimum Standards in Northern Ireland. We encourage members to attend the information sessions and respond to the consultation.

@HSCAdopt_Foster Fair fostering fees and allowances would be a good start.

On #InternationalWomensDay, we honour the inspiring women in our community, dedicated to making a difference. Thank you for your passion, determination & commitment to supporting children, encouraging them, advocating for them & giving them the chance to fulfil their potential.

@Emckay19 @suzyt161 @grace_reihill @1JJGordon @johnhand @Hine10Lisa @CathieConnor1 @JaneMcC37306018 @KerryMC2015 @BelfastTrust Has position changed on foster carers using care opinion? Currently not able to use.

#FeedbackFebruary! Care Opinion -safe &simple way to share your story of SW services online- Help us identify what matters to you to make care better!! @suzyt161 @grace_reihill @1JJGordon @johnhand @Hine10Lisa @CathieConnor1 @JaneMcC37306018 @KerryMC2015 @BelfastTrust

Last week the Government announced new plans for Children's Social Care: foster carer was shockingly absent. Read our statement below on why we are facing a retention and recruitment crisis and what will be necessary to fix it.

@healthdpt Foster carers also need clarity on 2024-25 fees. NI Fostering allowances are now 100% less that fostering network recommended levels.

The Health Minister has confirmed he has sought an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. ➡️Read more: health-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-…

Well done to our Northhumberland members. hexham-courant.co.uk/news/24652327.…?

Thank you to Cllr Terry Clark for supporting @N_landCouncil Foster Carers fighting for a fairer foster care system for all and ending the postcode lottery for foster carers.

📢 Thank you Labour Councillor's @KathCllr and Cllr Julie Foster for supporting @N_landCouncil Foster Carers calls for a fairer foster care system, bringing Northumberland in-line with surrounding areas and ensuring transparency!

Well done to all involved! @FCWUnion have received confirmation of a foster care fee rise. Solidarity with all Northern Ireland branch members who have worked so hard to achieve this.

*Monthly Members Support Group: How to Protect Yourself as a Foster Carer* peer-to-peer support happening Wednesday 28th August at 10:00 - 11:15am. we will be discussing how we can approach situations that may arise to safeguard ourselves from future issues, and escalations.

Pleased to report that the first foster care fee increases in Northern Ireland HSC Trusts in over a decade will be received by some Trust carers this week. This is the result of foster carers organising and coming together as a powerful, collective voice! #joinaunion

We're #MakingItBetter We’re putting together a manifesto for change, to make things better for children and young people in and leaving care. We need to hear from the experts- YOU! If you are in care, or have been in care, visit voypic.org/better #care #ceyp #cep

Y'day Northumberland Foster Carers delivered a petition, signed by 118 carers, to Cllr Guy Renner-Thompsonn, Children's Services Lead, calling for an end to the 10-year freeze of fees. Carers are skilled, experienced & an essential part of the service & deserve fair treatment.

Vulnerable children, a dangerously underfunded care system, and the incredible foster carers fighting to protect the kids they love. ‘Fostering Hope: The Glasgow Campaign’ is up on our Youtube now. youtube.com/watch?v=L2Zznk…

Good to attend briefing today on Northern Ireland Integrated Therapeutic Care Framework for Looked After Children and Young People. Looking forward to future engagement and the direct involvement of foster care workers in planning its implementation in foster care in NI.

NI health staff ‘should get above inflation pay rises.’ This should translate to an equal increase in foster carer fees. bbc.com/news/articles/…

Statement on 2024-25 Northern Ireland Foster Care Allowances

@bphillipsonMP @educationgovuk @StephenMorganMP @JanetDaby @Jacqui_Smith1 @CMcKinnellMP Good luck in your new roles. Looking forward to the significant reset in the relationship with foster carers. It is important they have the rights, remedies and protections needed in a very demanding and exposed role.

The team at @educationgovuk is in place, our work is already underway. We’re resetting the relationship between the government and workforce. We’re taking steps to drive high & rising standards and break down barriers to opportunity. Much to do and a brilliant team to do it!

Join our movement. Unite to save the foster care system. And spread the word! Iwgb.link/join

Last month we met with councillors in North Yorkshire to demand a re-evaluation in the way foster carers are treated. Around the UK we are winning a seat around the table with decision makers and ensuring we get the respect we deserve. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…